Dewey Rods and Boretech rods are the best of the best. After a brushing or during a difficult cleaning I use brake cleaner and clean off the shaft with a shop rag. I would not use a steel rod in my bore not even on a dare. YOu would have to be extremely careful using one not to cause peening on the inside of the barrel with repetitive use. I have currently 5 Deweys and some are 15 or more years old. I think the Carbon rods may be worth trying but have not had a "NEED" to purchase one. Just remember to brush out the bore once and remove the brush and repeat. Do not drag the brush backwards if you value the rifling crown. When the brush or jag is about to come out the muzzle be careful and give it a controlled push out otherwise it can ding the sides of the crown. USE WIPEOUT FOAM and you'll drastically reduce the amount of times you have to run a patch or brush down the bore.